Child Protection Policy Nov 2012

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Bunscoil Buachaillí Réalt na MaraDonacarney, Mornington, Co. Meath

Child Protection Policy

Reviewed September 2016

The Board of Management recognises that child protection and welfare considerationspermeate all aspects of school life and must be reflected in all of the school’s policies,practices and activities. Accordingly, in accordance with the requirements of theDepartment of Education and Skills’ Child Protection Procedures for Primary and PostPrimary Schools, the Board of Management of Realt na Mara BNS has agreed thefollowing child protection policy:1. The Board of Management has adopted and will implement fully and withoutmodification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary and PostPrimary Schools as part of this overall child protection policy.2. The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) isAn t‐Uasal Seán Ó Conghaile (Principal)3. The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) isMrs Jacinta Duffy(Deputy Principal)The name of the DLP is on display in the foyer of the school.4. In its policies, practices and activities, Bunscoil Buachaillí Réalt na Mara will adhere tothe following principles of best practice in child protection and welfare:The school will• recognise that the protection and welfare of children is of paramountimportance, regardless of all other considerations;• fully co‐operate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to childprotection and welfare matters• adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm or accidents happeningto children and protect workers from the necessity to take unnecessary risksthat may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect;• develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage parentalinvolvement in the education of their children; and• fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child protectionmatters.The school will also adhere to the above principles in relation to any adult pupil witha special vulnerability.Bunscoil Buachaillí Réalt na Mara aims to provide its pupils with the highest standardsof care and protection, in order to promote each child’s well‐being and safeguardhim/her from harm while in the school. The Board of Management of BunscoilBuachaillí Réalt na Mara has adopted the “Children First" Guidelines of the Departmentof Health & Children 1999 and the "Child Protection" Procedures of the Department ofEducation & Science 2001.Designated Liaison Person (DLP)The DLP has specific responsibility for child protection and will represent the school inall dealings with Health Boards, An Garda Síochána and other parties in connection withallegations of abuse. All matters pertaining to the processing or investigation of childabuse should be processed through the DLP. In the absence of the designated LiasonPerson the Deputy Principal will take over this roleGuidelines for Recognition of Child AbuseAll signs and symptoms must be examined in the total context of the child's situationand family circumstances. There are commonly three stages in the identification of childabuse.These are: ‐ Considering the possibility Looking out for signs of abuse Recording of informationHandling Disclosures from ChildrenWhen information is offered in confidence the member of staff will need to act withsensitivity in responding to the disclosure. The member of staff will need to reassurethe child, and retain his/her trust, while explaining the need for action and the possibleconsequences, which will necessarily involve other adults being informed. It isimportant to tell the child that everything possible will be done to protect and supporthim/her but not to make promises that cannot be kept e.g. promising not to tell anyoneelse. The welfare of the child is regarded as the first and paramount consideration. In sofar as is practicable, due consideration will be given, having regard to age andunderstanding, the wishes of the child.The following advice is offered to school personnel to whom a child makes a disclosureof abuse. Remain calm. Listen to the child with sensitivity and openness. Take all disclosures seriously Do not ask leading questions or make suggestions to the child Offer reassurance but do not make promises. Do not stop a child recalling significant events Do not over react Explain that further help may have to be sought Record the discussion accurately and retain the record of dates, times, names,locations, context and factual details of conversation.This information should then be passed onto the DLP and a record will be retained inthe school.If the reporting person or member of the school staff and the DLP is satisfied that thereare reasonable grounds for the suspicion/allegation, the procedures for reporting aslaid out in 'Children First' – Section 4.4 pg 38 (Appendix 10) will be adhered to.The Chairperson of the Board of Management will be informed before the DLP makescontact with the relevant authorities unless the situation demands that more immediateaction to be taken for the safety of the child in which case the Chairman may beinformed after the report has been submitted.Any Professional who suspects child abuse should inform parents/carers if a report is tobe submitted to the Health Board or An Garda Síochána unless doing so is likely toendanger the child.In cases of emergency, where a child appears to be at immediate and serious risk, and aduty social worker is unavailable, an Garda Siochána should be contacted. Under nocircumstances should a child be left in a dangerous situation pending Health Boardintervention.ORGANISATIONAL IMPLICATIONS Child Protection Procedures for Primary and PostPrimary Schoolsare available onhttp://www.pdst.ie/sites/default/files/CP_procedures_primary_post_primary_2011_0.pdf Our most up to date Child Protection Policy must be openly displayed in eachclassroom.

Supervision Every effort will be made to ensure that there is comprehensivesupervision of children throughout the school day. A roster of staff on duty will bedrawn up and displayed in the principal’s office, and also in the staffroom. Teachers willensure that the children are visible in the schoolyard. Children will not leave theschoolyard or engage with adults outside of the schoolyard.Visitors All unscheduled visitors to the school are expected to report the reception onarrival. Staff on yard duty will be aware of visitors entering the schoolyard and directthem to the school reception. The drop‐off/pick‐up of children throughout the teachingday will be processed through the school reception.Bullying Bullying behaviour will be addressed under our Anti‐Bullying Policy. If thebehaviour involved is of a sexualised nature or regarded as being particularly abusive,the matter will be referred to the DLP.Behaviour Children are to be encouraged at all times to play co‐operatively and toshow respect for themselves and others.Toilets It is school policy that only one child is permitted to enter the toilet area at atime. Children from Junior Infants to Third Class who need to use the toilet during yardtime must seek the permission of the teacher on yard. During yard time, the toilet areaclosest to the yard will be used. If a teacher notice that a child has a wetting accident during the school day,parents will be notified. It is school policy to call a Parent/Guardian if a child soils themselves in schooland requires intimate care. In the unlikely event of failing to make contact staffwill follow the procedures as for (1) above. All accidents of this nature will bereported to Parents/Guardians.Staff Cars In rare instances where a staff car must be used to transport a child, childrenwill never be taken alone. Staff will not assist in the dressing of the child.School Tours/Trips School staff accompanying children on school tours/trips(including after school sporting events) will deliver a duty of care commensurate withthe trip/venue. The higher the risk factor the higher the number ofteachers/responsible adults involved. As per School Tour Policy, hired buses/vehiclesmust provide safe transportation and a functioning seatbelt for every child/adult.Swimming LessonsIn line with the policy of our local swimming pool, parents who need to assist theirchildren in changing before/after a lesson will be required to be identified by a memberof the school staff to the swimming pool staff and must sign in before entering thechanging area.Parents who assist their children in dressing will use the individual cubicles in the pool,not the group changing room.Lead teacher must identify the parent to the swimming staff in advance of each lesson.Teachers will not assist in the dressing of children before or after the swimming lessonAttendance School attendance is monitored carefully.. The NEWB will be informed ofany concerns relating to a child’s attendance. Children who miss 20 days or more willbe reported to the NEWB in accordance with legislation.One to OneTeaching Parents will be made aware when one‐to‐one teaching is in thebest interests of the child. Written consent is required for all one‐to‐one teaching.Where possible, children in Learning Support/Resource will be taught in small groups.The door to the room will be left open if a teacher is alone with a child, or the teacherwill not be visible through the glass panel of the door. No member of school staff willever be alone with a child where the room door is closed, or the teacher is not visiblethrough the glass panel of the door.Intimate Care If any child in our school requires intimate care the procedures involvedwith such care will be agreed in consultation with the pupil, their Parents/Guardiansand any other personnel involved in the care of the pupil. This is in keeping with bestpractice, keeps the best interests of the child to the fore and maintains the child’spersonal dignity. Such procedures, when agreed will be communicated to all partiesinvolved and recorded.Stay Safe Programme:The Stay Safe Programme is taught throughout the school from Senior Infants to SixthClass inclusively. The main objectives are: To help the child identity feelings that are safe and unsafe To help the child deal with common unsafe situations To help the child with the process of making and keeping friends To help the child understand and deal with bullying The central message for the child in unsafe situations is to say “No” Move awayand tell.The following policies and procedures bear particular relevance to our Child Protectionpolicy. They have been put in place by the staff of Realt na Mara BNS, in conjunctionwith parent representatives, and have been ratified by our Board of Management: Administration of Medication Policy Anti Bullying Policy Code of Behaviour Critical Incident policy Data Protection policy Health & Safety statement, including assessment and procedures Internet Acceptable Usage Policy Work Experience PolicyDuties of the Board of Management Review Child Protection Policy annually Formally adopt the child protection policy in accordance with the “ChildProtection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools” Ensure that every employee of Bunscoil Buachaillí Réalt na Mara has “ChildProtection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools” available to them. Has arrangements in place to communicate the school`s child protection policyto new school personnel. This will be in the form of a hardcopy of the schoolsChild Protection Policy and also one by email to each new member of staff. Ensure that there is a copy of the Child Protection Policy on clear display in eachclassroom. Ensure that in relation to the reporting of any cases involving the protection ofchildren from the school, that correct child protection procedures are followed inthe reporting of such matters to the HSE/An Garda Síochána Ensure that such matters are appropriately recorded in the Board minutes. Ensure that the Parents` Association has been provided with a copy of theschool`s protection policy. Ensure that correct procedure is followed, as outlined below, in the case ofallegations being made against a school employee.Allegations Against School EmployeesThe most important consideration for the Chairperson, Board of Management or theDLP is the safety and protection of the child. However, employees also have a right toprotection against claims which are false or malicious.As employers, the Board of Management should always seek legal advice as thecircumstances can vary from one case to another.There are two procedures to be followed:i. The reporting Procedureii. The Procedure for dealing with the Employee.The DLP has responsibility for reporting the matter to the Health Board. TheChairperson, Board of Management has responsibility, acting in consultation withhis/her Board, for addressing the employment issues. If the allegation is against theDLP, the Chairperson of the Board of Management will assume the responsibility forreporting the matter to the Health Board.ReportingWhen an allegation of abuse is made against a school employee, the DLP shouldimmediately act in accordance with the procedures outlined in “Child Protection.”A written statement of the allegation should be sought from the person/agency makingthe report. The DLP should always inform the Chairperson of the Board ofManagement.School employees, other than the DLP who receive allegations against another schoolemployee, should immediately report the matter to the DLP. School employees whoform suspicions regarding conduct of another school employee should consult with theDLP. The procedures outlined in will then be followed.The chairperson of the Board and DLP should make the employee aware privatelya) That an allegation has been made against him/herb) The nature of the allegationc) Whether or not the Health Board or Gardaí has been/will be/must be/should beinformed.The employee should be given a copy of the written allegation and any other relevantdocumentation. The employee should be requested to respond to the allegation inwriting to the Board of Management within a specified period and told that this may bepassed to the Gardaí, Health Board, and legal advisers.The priority in all cases is that no child be exposed to unnecessary risk. Therefore, as amatter of urgency, the Chairperson should take any necessary protective measures.These measure should be proportionate to the level of risk and should not unreasonablypenalise the employee in any way unless to protect the child.If the nature of the allegations warrant immediate action in the Chairperson’s opinion,the Board of Management should be convened to consider the matter. The Board willconsider feedback if any has been received from the Health Board, Gardai or relevantsource. This may result in the Board of Management directing that the employee absenthim/herself from the school forthwith while the matter is being investigated(Administrative Leave). When the Board of Management is unsure as to whether thisshould occur, advice should be sought from the Gardaí and/or the Child Care Manager ofthe Health Board and the legal advisers to the Board of Management.Administrative LeaveShould the Board of Management direct that the employee absent him/herself as above,such absence of the employee would be regarded as administrative leave of absencewith pay and not suspension and would not imply any degree of guilt. The DES shouldbe immediately informed.Board of ManagementThe Chairperson should inform the Board of Management of all the details and remindthe members of their serious responsibility to maintain strict confidentiality on allmatters relating to the issue and the principles of due process and natural justice.This policy has been made available to school personnel and the Parents’ Associationand is readily accessible to parents on request and on the school website. A copy ofthis policy will be made available to the Department and the patron if requested.This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Management once in every school year.This current policy has been subject to review by school management, parentrepresentatives, BOM representatives and staff of Bunscoil Buachaillí Réalt na Marain September 2016 and will be reviewed again in the first term of the 2017 schoolyear.This policy was adopted by the Board of Management on _________________Signed: _________________________ (Chairman BOM) Date:________________Signed: __________________________(Principal) Date:Date of next review:_______________________________Ratified by Board of Management on __________________DateSigned __________________________________________Chairperson, Board of Management